4 Pairs of Running Shorts You’ll Want to Wear Everywhere

This probably comes as a surprise to no one, but I’m in workout clothes a lot. I spend most of the work week and weekend in workout clothes, and, really, if I can get away with going to dinner in them, too, I usually do. Over the years workout clothes have gone from basic to really, really cute and really, really comfortable. Which, for me, equals never wanting to take them off. Who feels me?

Over the summer I’ve been testing quite a few cute running shorts, and these four pairs? Well, they’re the running shorts I love so much that I’m practically always in them! From tight to loose to short and not-so-short, they’re a little something for every leg, every run and — let’s be honest — every activity, in the gym or not!

4 Pairs of Running Shorts We Love

1. Brooks Running Women’s PureProject 3.5″ Short. I love these running shorts so much that I have not one but two pairs of them. Semi-fitted with the cutest front split hem (show off those strong legs!) and two back pockets, these are super comfy, flattering and fabulous for short and long runs. Totally worth the $75 price tag, too, because they’re quality and, again, cute enough to wear anywhere!

2. Merrell Women’s Lithos Short. Looking for a tighter short with some compression that’s got a little more flair than your usual black short? Yep, this is it. With a 4-inch inseam, these aren’t ridiculously short, but, I’ll admit, they do show off the booty. I love them for a good CrossFit workout or around the house paired with a big ol’ slouchy hoodie. For $45, they’re a great short with cute tonal dyed accents, a gusseted crotch (because, let’s be honest, ALL shorts, capris and leggings need that!) and a soft touch that wicks sweat away.

3. Athleta Pulse Short. This is another running short that I have two of — one in neon orange and one in bright blue. And I wear them all the time. In fact, I’m wearing them right now (after this workout). Basic enough to wear as a staple but with enough thoughtful details — stretch, wide waistband, reflective details, back zip pocket — to make it seem like a standout running-shorts superstar, for $44 a pair, you can’t go wrong with these in any color or pattern.

4. Champion Women’s Sport Short III. When it comes to affordable workout gear that performs and is cute, Champion is doing it right. These shorts — just $25 a pair and offered in tons of fun colors and prints — are lightweight, wick sweat away and are cute. With a 3-inch inseam, they feature a waistband you can roll up if you want, and comfy chafe-resistant inner briefs that say Champion all over them (every time you pee, it’s like, “Hey, I’m a Champion!”). These do make a little bit of light swish-swish sound when you run sometimes, but I still love ’em.

Have a favorite pair of running shorts you love to wear here, there and everywhere? —Jenn